The Digital Rain
OtherIntermediate
The Digital Rain
"Step into the simulation with an aquascape that defies organic chaos. By utilizing perfectly vertical basalt pillars and the cascading textures of weeping moss, we recreate the 'digital rain' effect. The shimmering bodies of Green Neon Tetras act as the moving code, flickering through a dark, high-contrast environment that feels both futuristic and surreal."
Minimum Tank Size
20g Long (30x12x12)
Volume
20 gal
Water Parameters
75°F-82°F
6.5-7 pH
Substrate
ADA Amazonia Ver.2Black Quartz Sand cap
Hardscape Components
Black Basalt PillarsArranged vertically at varying heights across the midground
Fauna Inventory
Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans)
Schooling Fish
15x
Middle water column
Neon Blue Stiphodon Goby (Stiphodon atropurpureus)
Bottom Dweller
4x
Substrate and hardscape surface
Flora Inventory
Giant Hairgrass (Eleocharis montevidensis)
Stem/Grass
6 pots
Background across the entire length
Weeping Moss (Vesicularia ferriei)
Moss
4 portions
Tied to vertical basalt pillars
The Digital Rain
Other Aquascape Plan
aquascaping.ai
January 15, 2026
"Step into the simulation with an aquascape that defies organic chaos. By utilizing perfectly vertical basalt pillars and the cascading textures of weeping moss, we recreate the 'digital rain' effect. The shimmering bodies of Green Neon Tetras act as the moving code, flickering through a dark, high-contrast environment that feels both futuristic and surreal."
Tank20g Long (30x12x12) (20 gal)
Parameters75-82°F • pH 6.5-7
DifficultyIntermediate
Fauna
- 15x Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans)
- 4x Neon Blue Stiphodon Goby (Stiphodon atropurpureus)
Flora
- 6 pots Giant Hairgrass (Eleocharis montevidensis)
- 4 portions Weeping Moss (Vesicularia ferriei)
Shopping List
Tank & Supplies
| Item | Qty | Est. Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Gallon Long Rimless Tank- 30x12x12 dimensions provide the panoramic canvas needed for the digital rain effect. | 1 | $100.00 | |
| High-Output RGB LED (30 inch)- Requires a light with strong green spectrum control to make the flora 'glow'. | 1 | $120.00 | |
| Oversized Canister Filter- High flow rate (200+ GPH) is necessary for the Stiphodon gobies' health. | 1 | $140.00 | |
| Pressurized CO2 Kit with Solenoid- Maintains the perfectly vertical growth of the Giant Hairgrass. | 1 | $180.00 | |
| ADA Amazonia Ver.2 Substrate- Provides the necessary acidification and nutrients for heavy root feeders. | 9L Bag | $48.00 | |
| Black Quartz Sand- Cosmetic cap to ensure a deep black floor that absorbs light. | 5lb Bag | $15.00 | |
| Submersible Aquarium Heater (100W)- Adjustable to maintain a stable 78°F for the Green Neon Tetras. | 1 | $30.00 |
Hardscape
| Item | Qty | Est. Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Basalt Pillar Stones- Look for columnar pieces with flat faces to stack vertically. | 15 lbs | $60.00 |
Flora
| Item | Qty | Est. Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Hairgrass (Eleocharis montevidensis)- Space closely together across the entire background. | 6 pots | $54.00 | |
| Weeping Moss (Vesicularia ferriei)- Glue to the top edges of basalt pillars to create downward 'digital' drips. | 4 portions | $32.00 |
Fauna
| Item | Qty | Est. Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans)- These fish provide the flickering green horizontal movement. | 15 | $60.00 | |
| Neon Blue Stiphodon Goby- Metallic accents for the hardscape; require well-oxygenated water. | 4 | $48.00 |
Setup Guide
Constructing the Monoliths
Day 1- Place the 20-gallon long tank on a level stand and wipe the interior with a damp cloth.
- Layer the ADA Amazonia Ver.2 substrate at the back and midground, sloping it slightly forward.
- Cover the front and exposed midground areas with the Black Quartz Sand cap for a seamless dark floor.
- Position the Black Basalt Pillars vertically at varying heights throughout the midground to create the 'monolith' effect.
- Verify the pillars are stable and embedded deeply into the soil to prevent tipping.
Tip: Use pieces of lava rock or filter foam under the basalt pillars if you need extra height or stability for the heavier stones.
Coding the Digital Rain
Day 1- Mist the substrate and hardscape thoroughly with a spray bottle to keep the environment humid.
- Separate the Giant Hairgrass into small plugs and plant them densely along the entire back length of the tank.
- Attach the Weeping Moss to the tops and sides of the basalt pillars using black cotton thread or aquarium-safe cyanoacrylate gel.
- Install the oversized canister filter and CO2 diffuser, then fill the tank slowly over a plate to avoid disturbing the sand cap.
- Set the RGB LED to a high-contrast setting with a slight emphasis on green and blue spectrums.
Tip: For the moss, less is more; thin layers will attach faster and begin that 'weeping' vertical growth sooner.
System Initialization
Weeks 1-4- Run the pressurized CO2 system at approximately 2-3 bubbles per second, timed to turn on 2 hours before lights.
- Perform 50% water changes daily for the first week to manage the ammonia spike from the ADA soil.
- Transition to 50% water changes every 3 days during week two, then weekly thereafter.
- Maintain the water temperature between 75°F and 78°F to support plant growth while preparing for the livestock.
- Test water parameters weekly for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate to ensure the bio-filter is establishing.
Tip: Since Giant Hairgrass requires high light and CO2 to stay perfectly vertical, do not skimp on the CO2 levels during this phase.
Entering the Matrix
Week 5- Confirm that ammonia and nitrite levels are at 0 ppm and nitrates are below 20 ppm.
- Drip acclimate the 15 Green Neon Tetras over 60 minutes to ensure they transition safely to the tank's pH.
- Introduce the 4 Neon Blue Stiphodon Gobies, ensuring there is enough biofilm or supplemental algae wafers for them to graze on.
- Observe the behavior of the gobies to ensure the high flow from the oversized filter is meeting their oxygen needs.
- Perform a final trim on any moss that is growing horizontally to reinforce the vertical 'digital rain' aesthetic.
Tip: Feed high-quality crushed flakes or frozen daphnia to the tetras to enhance their neon lateral lines against the dark background.
Maintenance Schedule
Daily
System Check & Targeted Feeding
Monitor the CO2 drop checker to ensure it stays lime green for the Giant Hairgrass. Feed Green Neon Tetras small amounts of high-quality flakes or micro-pellets. Observe the Stiphodon Gobies to ensure they are grazing and that the temperature remains stable between 75-82°F.
Weekly
Water Change & Aesthetic Maintenance
Perform a 30% water change to keep nitrates low for the gobies. Use a soft brush to clean any algae off the basalt pillars and scrape the glass to maintain the sharp, high-contrast 'Digital Rain' look. Dose liquid fertilizers following the water change.
Precision Pruning
Trim the Weeping Moss specifically to encourage vertical 'dripping' growth. Thin the Giant Hairgrass background if it becomes too dense, ensuring the stalks remain perfectly vertical to mimic falling code.
Monthly
Filter & Flow Optimization
Rinse the media in the oversized canister filter using siphoned tank water. High flow and oxygenation are essential for the Blue Stiphodon Gobies to thrive and for preventing stagnant zones in the dense hairgrass.
Substrate & CO2 Audit
Check the pressurized CO2 cylinder levels to prevent 'end-of-tank' dumps. Lightly vacuum the surface of the Black Quartz Sand cap to remove any debris that breaks the clean, dark aesthetic of the substrate.
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